Ava bounced back quickly from her stay in the hospital and there were no long term complications much to the relief of her parents. With Steve's parents helping out and lots of lovely home cooked food, Steve and Kate also recovered fairly quickly.

Steve went back to AC-12 having only missed four days of work. Unfortunately it wasn't long before he as involved with a major case and immediately putting in long hours.

Having been an anti-corruption cop herself, Kate knew all about the extra long days sifting through piles of evidence. The preparation work needed before an interview as Ted was a stickler for ensuring his team appeared very slick and professional. It put the interviewee under stress knowing their interviewers were on top of their game. Kate didn't complain, but like Ava, she couldn't help but miss Steve's presence around the house. Steve too, missed being with his family but focused on getting the job done so he could once again be a part of Ava's dinner and bath time.

"Hey," Kate said one evening as her phone rang. It was Steve. She had a feeling she knew what he was calling about.

"Hey," Steve replied.

"How's it going?".

"Ok," Steve replied. "There's been another attack Kate,". AC-12 were after an officer who stalked women. "I think it's gonna be an all-nighter,". Kate sighed. "I know Kate. I'm pretty fed up too. I just want this over,".

"Then I better let you go," Kate said. "The sooner you start the sooner you finish and get home to us, right?".

"Right," Steve agreed unenthusiastically. "Give Ava a kiss from me,".

"Of course," Kate replied.

"She's not going to forget me is she?" Steve asked worriedly. He was away an awful lot at the moment and he had no idea what a baby's memory was like.

"Exactly how long are you planning on being away?" Kate teased Steve.

"I'm being silly aren't I?".

"Yes,".

"I better go. Gaffer's back. Love you,".

"Love you too," Kate replied before they hung up.

Knowing she was now going to be by herself for the night, Kate decided to make her dinner before watching some TV. Bonnie was her company for the evening as was becoming the norm at the moment. Kate showered her pet with lots of attention whilst watching the TV. When she retired for the evening, Bonnie decided to join Kate. Ava was fast asleep when she stuck her head in the nursery on the way to her room. She was sleeping through the night now but would need a feed at around six am.

Getting ready for bed she found Bonnie on Steve's side of the bed, stretched out and waiting for some more belly rubs as if she hadn't had any that evening at all. Smiling at the dog's antics, Kate got in beside her and proceeded to give her what she wanted before turning the lights out. Bonnie's head went instantly on to Kate's lower abdomen.

Remembering the last time the dog had done this, Kate put her bedside light quickly on again. She couldn't be, could she? There had been that time when they had brought Ava home from the hospital. Both had been too tired to think about protection. They were using condoms at the moment as Kate didn't want to expose Ava to the hormones in the contraceptive pill whilst she was breast feeding.

Not feeling tired anymore, Kate got out of bed and went to the en-suite. Bonnie watching her go, upset her belly rubs had abruptly stopped.

Searching in the cupboard under the sink she found the pregnancy test box she had bought when she thought she was pregnant with Ava. It had contained two tests in it but now only had one. And looking at the box it was still in date. Half knowing what the result was going to be, Kate downed the glass of water she had brought to bed. As she waited for it to make its way to her bladder, she sat on the side of the bath lost in thought.

Ava hadn't been planned but they had sort of discussed having a baby before she got pregnant. They hadn't had any talks about having any other children. Ava was still only six months old. She'd be just over a year when the new baby was born. Two kids under the age of two. It would be really tough. It could place a huge strain on their relationship especially as she had no idea if Steve wanted any more.

What about work? She had planned on going back when Ava was a year old. She'd only be back for a few weeks before having to go on maternity leave again! MIT would hardly be thrilled with their DI was going to be absent for another year.

Needing to pee, Kate did what she had to do, refreshing her memory on how to use the test before she did so. A minute later she got the news she had been expecting. Was it good or bad? Pregnant. 2-3 weeks. It had to have been that one time.

Kate's immediate reaction was to tell Steve, but she realised she couldn't. Not at the moment anyway. Telling him he was going to be a father again in the middle of an important investigation wasn't ideal. He needed his mind focused on the job not on her. So she decided to keep her secret for the time being.

"Kate was woken by Ava babbling to herself in her cot the next morning. She didn't think it would be long before she said her first word. Although it was early and she hadn't slept well, Kate couldn't help but smile as she listened to her happy daughter.

She quickly got out of bed to fetch her, before bringing Ava back to bed for her feed. Kate ran over the itinerary for the day with both Ava and Bonnie who was still on the bed so that everyone knew what they were doing that day.

It was going to be a bit of a busy one. Quick trip to the post office before their weekly appointment at the park. It was the new- mum fitness class that usually ended with a cup of tea and a chat before doing the weekly supermarket shop.

"Any objections guys?" Kate asked her audience but she received none. Possibly because it was a dog and an infant who couldn't talk but she didn't take those reasons as an excuse.

Breakfast done, Kate got Ava changed. Spring was on its way and Kate decided to dress her in some patterned dungarees with a long sleeved top underneath that Steve's mum had bought after her hospital stay.

Kate herself got changed in to some leisure wear for her fitness class. Finally they were ready to leave once Bonnie had been put on her lead.

There was a space on the Moss Hill High Street that Kate took, taking care not to hit the rather old looking red car already in a space. Leaving the dog in the car as it was only a quick trip to send some letters off, Kate got Ava out of her car seat and headed in to the post office with her daughter on her hip.

Five minutes later they were back in the car and Kate was carefully pulling out in to the traffic. Glancing in the rear view mirror, the red car was also leaving and patiently waited for Kate to move first.

;"The fitness class was in a local park. It was mainly speed walking or gentle jogging whilst pushing their babies in their push chairs. The dogs who went had a nice time running around and chasing each other as well.

Kate had decided she was going to listen to her body to decide how vigorous a work out she undertook that day. It was the first time she attended the class knowing she was pregnant. She wasn't experiencing any morning sickness yet but she didn't want to push her body too hard.

She strapped Ava in to her jogging buggy and got Bonnie out the car and put her on her lead before walking to their usual meeting point. She happened to notice the red car that had parked behind her on the Moss Hill High Street had also parked nearby. Her police instincts were aroused. Was she being a bit paranoid that the car was following her? She could convince herself that she was being silly. The high street and the park were very popular places in the city. It wasn't a crime to visit them the same day as herself.

Putting it out of her mind, Kate continued to the ladies meeting point for her class. She felt good doing a gentle jog and Ava liked the speed, clapping when they went faster than a walk. Bonnie wore herself out by enjoying time with the other dogs from the group but keeping an eye on where her mistress was.

Four laps later and they were done and the ladies headed to the usual park cafe for a drink and a gossip. Kate got the horrible sensation someone was watching her and although she scanned the area she couldn't see the person responsible.

The class finished and soon Kate, Ava and Bonnie were on their way to the supermarket. A sense of dread filled Kate when she saw the same red car following her at a distance again. This time it was three cars behind her and took her exact route to the shop although it didn't pull in to the car park and kept on driving.

She felt a great sense of relief. Kate had really thought she was being followed but it appeared not. Maybe her paranoia was down to her pregnancy hormones she thought as she got Ava out of her car seat again. It was getting warm and Kate didn't want to leave Bonnie in the car so she got her out as well and would tie her lead to a post at the entrance.

Food shopping with Ava could be a bit hit and miss but today she seemed in a good mood after her stroll around the park so Kate hoped it would be a smooth trip. Putting her in the trolley seat she was all smiles and giggles for her mother as they headed inside.

Another mother was less fortunate. Kate could hear a screaming baby as soon as she entered the shop. Ava could hear it too and she looked around to see why the baby was crying. The baby was younger than Ava and was very upset about something. Even it's mother's hug couldn't calm it.

Thinking something terrible must be happening Ava then started to get scared and started crying and Kate picked her up out of her seat to comfort her.

"I'm so sorry," the other mum apologised.

"Don't worry," Kate said. "She'll be fine,".

The other mum walked off with her screaming child and Kate distracted Ava with all the food in front of them and her tears soon stopped.

"What tomato would you like Ava?" Kate asked.

"Da!" Said Ava as she pointed to one. Kate picked it up and put it in her bag. "Da!" Ava pointed to another. And another. All of them went in the bag.

"Thanks for being so helpful Ava," Kate said to her daughter and gave her a kiss. She had totally calmed down. Tears forgotten. Kate placed her back in the trolley seat as it would be far quicker than continuing with her on her hip.

They flew round the shop. Although it was still a way off, Easter things were making their way into some aisles. A headband with cute bunny ears caught Ava's attention.

"Da!" She said, pointing to one.

"You want one?" Kate asked as she picked one up and put it on Ava. The little girl smiled. Kate thought she looked very cute and took a quick photo that she would send to Steve. He was sure to have something to say especially after the reindeer antlers at Christmas.

"Trying to remove the headband proved problematic as Ava appeared insistent that it stayed on her head so Kate left it there. Lots of shoppers commented on the cute little bunny rabbit that Kate had with her and Ava loved all the attention.

There was no queue and they quickly went through the tills, almost forgetting to pay for the headband. Ava gave a squawk as her new favourite thing was removed to be scanned but was ok once it was back on her head. A nice smile for the cashier on her face as they prepared to leave the store.

"Kate's happy mood disappeared as soon as they left the shop when she found a man crouched down over Bonnie where she had been tied up. Her dog didn't appear all that happy at his attention. "Can I help you?" she asked the stranger rather crisply. Her police instincts had kicked in again and she knew this man was trouble. She wanted to get away from him as soon as possible especially as Ava was with her.

"Sorry," the man said a little shocked at being caught with the dog. "I was just trying to calm it down. Went for a child," the man said to explain his presence.

Kate didn't believe him for a second. Bonnie was the most docile dog. She loved children as she was constantly with Ava and Josh. More over, there was no crying child or angry parent in the vicinity which there would have been if indeed Bonnie had snapped at a child.

"Thank you," Kate said just to dismiss him and get rid of him. She watched as he headed to the car park and got in the familiar old red car that had been following her all morning. He drove off fairly quickly having not gone in the shop at all.

Kate looked down at Bonnie. He'd been looking at her collar. As well as a name tag Steve had also got their home address printed on one in case Bonnie had ever gone missing.
The man now knew where they lived. There was no way she was going home. Untying Bonnie, Kate tried to act normal so as not to upset Ava. She reached their car and put all the shopping in it. Bonnie and Ava were put in the car before Kate returned the trolley. A quick glance around the car park didn't reveal the red car as Kate got in hers.

She spotted the spare access badge to AC-12 that Steve kept in their private car and Kate made her mind up. She would go there and tell Steve. He could look in to it.

Setting off for AC-12, Kate couldn't see the red car following her at all. She pulled up in the familiar underground car park. Ava was very interested as she hadn't been here since she had been born. Bonnie was got out the car as well.

"With Ava on her hip, still wearing her bunny ears and the dog on her lead, Kate made her way to the lift. The access badge could also summon the lift. The trio were soon heading upwards in the familiar glass lift until it reached AC-12.

Ted was the first to spot Kate and knew something was up.

"You ok, Kate?" He asked as he came over to them and let her through the barriers.

"No," Kate replied. "I'm fairly sure I've been followed all day,".